Condition status-based device system and operation

ABSTRACT

A device, system or method may optionally include a processor, remote to a device, configured to generate information to control, at least in part, a function of the device based, at least in part, on a condition of conveyance of the device, and a transmitter, remote to the device, configured to transmit the information related to the condition of conveyance to the device.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. 120 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/784,387, Curry, filed Mar. 4, 2013, whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates generally to the operation of a devicebased on a non-operational condition status and methods therefor.

BACKGROUND ART

Various electrically-active devices, such as medical devices, consumerelectronics, appliances, vehicles, machinery, and the like, are activelyconfigurable and controllable in terms of features and functionality.Rather than simply being configured to be powered on and off, such aswith a mechanical switch, such electrically-active devices may beelectrically configured for various modes of operation. Such deviceshave been sold or otherwise conveyed to customers based on terms ofsale, such as installment payment, lease, maintenance or servicecontracts, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a medical device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a hearing aid.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a pacemaker.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a drug pump.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a smartphone.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an automobile.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for conducting payment-based device operation.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for condition status-based device operation.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustratespecific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practicethem. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical,process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodimentsmay be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments.Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalentsof those claims.

Conventionally, devices that are conveyed to a party acquiring thedevice or use of the device may be subject to legal enforcement of theterms of conveyance. If an acquiring party defaults on installment orlease payments or does not abide by maintenance requirements, forinstance, the conveyor of the device may seek legal recourse, such asrepossession of the device or damages. However, such legal recourse maybe time consuming and/or expensive. Furthermore, if the acquiring partyis unreachable, the acquiring party may maintain possession of thedevice notwithstanding the legal recourse of the conveyor of the device.

Electrical commands for controlling or configuring a device may bereceived local to the device, such as by directly, physicallyinteracting with the device, or via a remote communication link, such asvia wireless and/or networked communication modalities. For instance, amanufacturer or seller of a device could electrically configure a deviceto utilize or not utilize different functions based on an initial saleprice. A seller of the device could engage or disengage variousfunctions dependent on buyer need and willingness to pay for variousfunctions at the time of sale or conveyance.

In contrast to the above circumstances of initially configuring adevice, electrical control of a device may be based on a buyer or otheruser of the device meeting or having met a particular condition, such asa condition of conveyance. A conveyance may be any process by which thedevice is deliberately conveyed from a conveying party to an acquiringparty, such as by sale, lease, loan, gift, and so forth. Electricalcontrol of the device may be remote to the device, with information andcommands based on the condition transmitted to and from the device via anetwork or other long-distance communication modality. On the basis ofthe acquirer or a subsequent user of the device having met thecondition, such as a condition of conveyance, a condition status of thedevice may be utilized to control a function of the device, such as bydisabling or enabling certain or all device functions. Thus, an acquirerof the device may not benefit from the device if the condition is notmet without the party managing the device, such as they conveyor of thedevice, necessarily being able to find or directly obtain the device.

With respect to conditions of conveyance, it is to be understood thatthe condition of conveyance may be limited to provisions of an actualconveyance. Such conditions may be explicitly agreed upon by the partiesto a contract for sale, lease, loan, transfer, etc. Alternatively oradditionally, the conditions may be agreed on informally or may becompelled under law. Thus, a condition of conveyance may include,without limitation, a sale price and terms by which payments are made, aterm of lease or subscription, maintenance requirements, follow uprequirements, limitations on use, such as performance restrictions andgeographic restrictions, and so forth.

It is noted that control of the device may be independent of thepossessor of the device. In other words, it may not be the possessorthat controls the device (such as by disabling or impairing a functionof the device if the device is stolen) but rather the counterparty (orthe counterparty's agent, assignee, or successor) in the transaction bywhich the possessor or original acquirer obtained the device. Acondition of conveyance may not cover circumstances in which theconveyor or acquirer of the device may wish the device to be controlledbut which does not actually violate a condition of conveyance. Thus, ifa third party steals the device from the acquirer, the system disclosedherein may not disable or impair the device on the grounds of acondition of conveyance having been violated, because theft by a thirdparty may not be a violation of a condition of conveyance.

Medical devices, for instance, may further be controlled on the basis ofa non-physiologic condition of the patient. An example of anon-physiologic condition status of the medical device is the ongoingpayment of an installment plan or fees by the patient utilizing themedical device and/or by the patient's insurance provider or othersource of medical payments. For instance, a medical device may be soldto a patient on an installment plan or provided to a patient based, inessence, on a lease plan or a maintenance or subscription basis. Thepayments may be based on a binary, on/off operation of the medicaldevice or on a functional basis, providing greater functional access tothe patient in exchange for higher payments. To the extent that thepayments are paid or not paid, or are increased or decreased, thepatient may be warned of a change in functionality of the medicaldevice, the medical device may be turned on or off, or the medicaldevice may be utilized with greater or fewer functions. The medicaldevice may operate based on a countdown clock that, unless the clock isinterrupted upon payment having been received, may automatically adjustdevice functionality. Alternatively, the medical device may operatebased on active control of device functionality by a local or remotesource.

Further condition statuses are contemplated for a variety of devices,including, but not limited to, a follow up or maintenance status of thevarious devices. Various devices known in the art may requiremaintenance procedures, such as on a regular basis, in order to functionsafely and effectively and to reduce a likelihood of damage to thedevice itself. By way of example, if the oil is not changed in anautomobile engine the engine may be irreparably damaged. Particularly incases where the automobile is leased, the lessor may bear the cost ofsome or all of the resultant damage to the engine that may result from alessee failing to implement required maintenance. Even in circumstancesin which a maintenance requirement is not a part of a condition ofconveyance, it may be in the best interest of various devices to bedisabled or impaired in the event that maintenance records indicate adeficiency. In various examples, where a condition of the automobile,such as from the condition of conveyance, i.e., the lease, requires thatscheduled maintenance occur, and information indicates that the lesseedid not follow perform a mandated maintenance procedure according to amaintenance schedule, the system disclosed herein may reduce alikelihood of damage to the engine by reducing or disablingfunctionality of the automobile. Functions disabled or impaired maypertain directly to the unperformed maintenance procedure; in anexample, if engine oil is not changed then the engine may be disabled orimpaired while allowing other functions of the automobile, such as theaudio system, to continue to function.

In various examples, a user may have scheduled and/or periodic follow upor maintenance procedures with a professional or sales representative ofthe device. In various examples, the user may be prompted or reminded toconduct the follow up procedure. Upon the lapsing of a time periodrelated to the periodic or scheduled follow up procedure, functions ofthe device may be disabled or impaired, such as to protect the devicefrom damage, until and unless the possessor of the device attends thefollow up session and the follow up session is registered. Consequently,disabling the function of the device may be based not on actual damageto the device but on a failure of the possessor of the device to abideby required maintenance and/or follow up procedures without respect toan actual functional status of the device.

As detailed herein, the condition status of various devices may bediscussed with respect to the payment status of the device. However, itis to be understood that references to payment status herein may applyto a condition status and, in various cases, a condition of conveyance,in general. Thus, a particular description of a payment status may beunderstood to any condition status as would be apparent under thecircumstances.

Further, it is to be understood that the principles disclosed herein mayapply to a variety of circumstances of conveyance of the device from aconveyor to an acquirer. The device may be sold, leased, loaned, givenas a gift, or any other form of conveyance from a conveyor to anacquirer, such as a conveyor in privity with an acquirer. To the extentthat any one example refers, for instance, to a buyer of a device, it isto be understood that the principles of purchasing a device based onconditions apply equally well to leasing, borrowing, or otherwisereceiving a device based on conditions. To the extent that a third partyacquires a device without a condition of conveyance, such as by theftfrom the acquirer, the system disclosed herein may not controlfunctionality of the device for violation of a condition of conveyance,though, as noted above, it is to be understood that the system mayprovide for the disabling of functionality of the device for reasonsother than the violation of a condition status.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 100 that includes adevice 102. While devices generally may vary in function and structure,electrically active devices tend to have some form of output. Forinstance, medical devices may tend to have some form of medical ortherapeutic output, some internal control over their operation, somecommunicative ability, and so forth. A consumer electronic device mayoutput music, video, games, telephonic communication, and so forth. Avehicle may output motive force, and so forth. As a genericillustration, the device 102 is drawn to refer to those components andsystems involved in generating the output as an output module 104.

The output module 104 may produce an output consistent with thefunctionality of the device 102. For instance, where the device 102 is ahearing aid, the output module 104 may output sound at a volume andfrequency audible to the wearer of the hearing aid. Where the device 102is a therapy delivery medical device, such as a pacemaker,defibrillator, neurological stimulator, drug pump, or the like, theoutput module 104 may be configured to deliver the correspondingtherapy.

Alternatively, the device 102 may not include an output module 104, suchas if the device 102 is a sensor. While the disclosure herein may relatespecifically to adjusting the output from the output module 104, it isto be understood that other functions, such as sensing functions, of thedevice 102 may also be modified based on the condition status of thedevice 102, such as a conveyance condition status, as disclosed indetail herein.

It is to be understood that the condition status of a device 102 may bebased on an output that derives, at least in part, from the internalfunction of the device 102 itself rather than as a platform forconveying content from another source. Thus, by way of example, aprovider of media content, such as a cable television or satellite radioprovider, may cut off delivery of the media content to a consumerelectronic device of a customer who does not pay an associated bill. Thecontrol of functionality of the device 102 may not be based on thetransmission of content to the device 102 or the ability of the device102 to receive and display broadcast content but rather may be based onthe native functionality of the device 102 itself. A condition status ofthe device 102 may thus be based on the possession and/or operation ofthe device itself rather than content provided to the device 102 or theability of the device 102 to display or otherwise utilize the content.

The device 102 is further drawn to refer to those components and systemsinvolved in controlling the device 102 as a controller 106.Additionally, the device 102 is drawn to refer to those components andsystems involved in communicating with devices and systems outside ofthe device 102 as a communication module 108. The communication module108 may be a conduit for any user or communicative interaction with thedevice 102 and may be as simple as an on/off switch or other direct userinterface. While the output module 104, the controller 106, and thecommunication module 108 are drawn with specificity, it is to beunderstood that for a given device 102, specific elements may performfunctions relevant to the output from the device, the control of thedevice, and communications involving the device, and thus, dependentupon various circumstances, may be understood as variously correspondingto or being assigned to the output module 104, the controller 106, andthe communication module 108.

In various examples, the communication module 108 is a wired or wirelesselectrical interface configured to receive electronic signals. Where theinterface is wired, the medical device 102 may be plugged directly intoa port or other physical interface with a secondary control device 110or router 112, or may be plugged into the control device 110 or router112 via a wire or cable. Where the interface is wireless, an antenna maybe utilized to communicate using various wireless modalities with anantenna on the control device 110, such as when using 802.11 WiFi orBluetooth, to the router 112. The router 112 may, for instance, be awireless router. The communication module 108 may additionally orinstead communicate with a cellular tower 114, such as when usingcellular communications, among various potential wireless destinationsfor communication from the device 102. While various exemplarycommunication modalities are mentioned herein, it is to be understoodthat any suitable communication modality known in the art may beutilized. For instance, the control device 110 may communicate with thedevice 102 via inductive communication, infrared communication, orrelatively short range radio frequency (RF) communication.

The control device 110 may be a computing device or terminal in localproximity of the device 102 and may be configured to enable an operatorto interface with and control the device 102. As detailed herein, thecontrol device 110 may incorporate a user interface to permit theoperator to display information related to and/or received from themedical device 102 and to input commands, such as may be utilized tocontrol the device 102. The control device 110 may incorporate acommunication interface such as may communicate with the communicationmodule 108 of the device 102, such as by wired communication and/orwireless communication. The control device 110 may include furtherfunctions known in the art, such as by providing power to the device102. In various examples, the control device 110 does not providecontrol functions for the device 102 and instead operates as a terminalfor providing power and/or communication links to the device 102.

The control device 110, router 112 or cellular tower 114 may beconnected to a network 116, such as the Internet. Additionally, thecommunication module 108 may be configured to communicate with thenetwork 116 directly. A remote device 118 may likewise be connected tothe network 116. The remote device 118 may be configured to communicatewith the device 102 via the network 116 and, optionally, via the devices110, 112, 114. The remote device 118 may be configured to obtaininformation from and/or transmit information to the device 102. Theremote device 118 may be a computer or other computing device configuredto enable a remote operator to interact in various ways with the device102, such as by transmitting instructions to the device 102 andreceiving data from the device 102, such as may be displayed to theoperator on a user interface of the remote device 118. In variousexamples, the remote device 118 and other devices of the system 100 maycommunicate directly with the device 102 and without respect to anetwork 116, such as via a dialup connection, direct connection,connection via a local interfacing device such as in a store or officeof a professional, such as a medical professional, a sales professional,a repair specialist, and so forth.

In various examples, a device of the system 100, such as one or more ofthe control device 110 and the remote device 118, may includeproprietary and/or custom componentry configured to interface with thesystem 100 generally and execute actions related to such interactions asdisclosed herein. Alternatively, the device 110, 118 may includeconventional computing componentry that may be configurable or otherwiseused to interface with the rest of the system. For instance, the remotedevice 118 may include a processor 120, a memory module 122, a userinterface 124, and a communication interface 126, such as a wired modemor wireless transmitter and receiver. It is emphasized that the controldevice 110 may optionally include a processor 120, memory module 122,user interface 124, and communication interface 126 in addition to orinstead of the remote device 118, or that the processor 120, memorymodule 122, user interface 124, and/or communication interface 126 maybe associated with another device of the system 100 and not the controldevice 110 or remote device 118. The processor 120 may performcomputations related to obtaining and utilizing payment status andidentifying functions provided by the device 102 that may be enabled,disabled, or impaired based on the payment status. The memory module 122may include electronic storage as disclosed herein and may store paymentinformation, such as a payment status, and other electronic datapertinent to the operation of the device 118 and the system 100generally. The user interface 124 may display information, such as apayment status, payment information generally, or messages related topayment status and medical device 102 function generally, as disclosedherein. The user interface 124 may also, in various examples, beutilized to receive payments, as disclosed herein. The communicationinterface 126 may communicate with the network 116 or with other membersof the system 100 directly.

The system 100 may optionally further include a payment module 128. In amore general example, the payment module 128 may be a condition statusmodule. As illustrated, the payment module 128 is coupled to the network116 and, as a result, may be communicatively coupled to other devicesthat are coupled to the network 116, directly or indirectly, includingthe medical device 102. In various examples, the payment module 128 isdirectly coupled to, is an organic component of, or is divided betweenvarious components of the system 100, including but not limited to thedevice 102, the control device 110, and the remote device 118. Thepayment module 128 may be configured to accept payment for functionsperformed by the device 102, specifically, and the system 100,generally. To accept payment, the payment module 128 may be configuredwith a user interface to input payment information, such as a screen, akeyboard, a credit card scanner, and other user interface devices knownin the art. While the payment module 128 is drawn with specificity, itis to be understood that for a given system 100, specific elements mayperform functions relevant to obtaining information related to thepayment status of the device 102 and thus, dependent upon variouscircumstances, be assigned to the payment module 128.

Where the payment module 128 is a more general “condition module,” thecondition module may be sensitive, for instance, to a maintenance statusor a follow up status of the device 102. In an example, the conditionmodule may obtain follow up information, such as that a follow upprocedure has occurred or is overdue, in the same general manner as thepayment module 128 receives payment information regarding the device102. Based on the follow up information, the condition module or otherdevices within the system 100 may transmit or otherwise generate acondition status, such as a follow up status, to be utilized by the restof the system 100 in the same manner as the payment status disclosedherein.

It is to be emphasized and understood that the payment module 128 as anidentifiable entity is an optional component of the system 100. Further,the payment module 128 need not accept payment directly but may obtainpayment information, such as information that a payment has been made,from a source outside of the system 100. In such an example, the paymentmodule 128 may merely be a component of a device 110, 118 thatcommunicatively interfaces with a source outside of the system 100, suchas a bank or other financial institution or facilitator, to obtainpayment information related to the device 102 and provide the paymentinformation within or throughout the system 100. For instance, thepayment module 128 may utilize computer componentry of the one or moredevices 110, 118 to receive payments or payment information, such aspayment status. For instance, the user interface 124 may be utilized toenter a credit card number or authorize an electronic payment, while thememory 122 may be utilized to store the payment information.Consequently, the payment module 128 may be a program or routineimplemented on the hardware of a device, such as the control device 110and/or the remote device 118, within the system 100.

The components of the system 100, including but not limited to thedevice 102, may be located within various specific devices and variousspecific housings. For instance, the device 102 may be contained withinmultiple discrete devices or may be a single device contained withinmultiple housings with the ability to communicate between devices andhousings, as appropriate. Thus, in an example, the output module 104 maybe located in a first housing while the controller 106 and thecommunication module 108 may be located in a second housing that iscommunicatively coupled to the first housing. Further, as noted above,as the functionality of the output module 104, the controller 106, andthe communication module 108 may include various components and systemsof the device 102, one or more of the output module 104, the controller106, and the communication module 108 may be split between varioushousings or devices that together comprise or contain the device 102.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of an example of the device 102. Inthe illustrated example, the medical device 102 further includes a powersource 200. The power source 200 may be a battery, such as arechargeable battery, or other power source, such as a rechargeablepower source, for instance a super capacitor. Alternatively, the powersource 200 may derive power from a wall outlet or other external powersource.

The output module 104 includes multiple functions 202A-E. While fivefunctions 202 are illustrated, in various examples the number offunctions may be more or fewer as appropriate. Each of the functions202A-E is configured to deliver a different output or contributecollectively to a common output. For instance, where the device 102 is ahearing aid, one function 202A may provide audio amplification to adetected audio signal while another function 202B may provide audiofiltering to the same signal, and so forth.

A further illustrative example includes where the device 102 is anappliance, such as a refrigerator. One function 202A may provide basicrefrigeration, another function 202B may provide temperature monitoringand response, another function 202C may provide ice and drinking waterat an external port, and so forth. Another illustrative example mayinclude where the device 102 is an automobile. One function 202A mayprovide basic driving functionality, another function 202B may providethe automobile's audio system, another function 202C may provide powerwindow control, and another function 202D may provide heating andcooling, and so forth. Consequently, in certain examples, variousfunctions 202 may be incorporated or removed from an overall outputfunction to provide different levels and characteristics of output fromthe output module 104.

A memory module 204 may be configured to provide volatile and/ornon-volatile data storage. The memory module 204 may incorporate randomaccess memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), and othermemory and data storage systems, both fixed and removable, as well knownin the art. The memory module 204 may be a component of the controller106, such as by being cache memory, may be separate from the controller106, or may be partially incorporated in the controller and partiallyseparate. The memory module 204 may store, among other data, a paymentstatus of the device 102. It is emphasized that the memory module 204may not be included and that, for instance, storage of a payment statusof the device 102 may occur elsewhere in the system 100, such as in thecontrol device 110 or the remote device 118.

In an example, the controller 106 incorporates or, in an alternativeexample, accesses a system clock 206. The controller 106 may furtherincorporate a logic module 208. The logic module 208 may include logicbased on conditions by which functions 202 may be added or removed fromactive operation based on a payment status of the device 102.

In various examples, during or upon manufacture, a manufacturer of thedevice 102 may configure the functions 202 to place the device 102 intoa certain configuration. The device 102 may be configured for lowfunctionality, such as by selecting just one function 202, and initiallysold at relatively low cost, or the device 102 may be configured forhigh functionality, such as by selecting most or all of the functions202, and initially sold a relatively high cost. Conventionally andwithout respect to an ongoing payment status of the device 102, thedevice 102 may then operate based on the initially-selected functions202 until the end of the device's 102 operational life.

The medical device 102 disclosed herein, however, further takes intoaccount a condition status, such as a payment status, of the device 102,such as on an ongoing basis, in determining the functionality of thedevice 102. The payment status of the device 102 may be based on anamount that a payment should be and a schedule by which the paymentshould be made. For instance, a user of the device 102 may purchase thedevice 102 on an installment plan. Where the device 102 is a hearingaid, the user or purchaser may agree to a total price to be paid inscheduled, periodic installments over time. Whether or not thoseinstallments have been paid may, as is disclosed in detail herein, beutilized to determine overall device 102 functionality or particularfunctions that are performed by the device 102. For instance, asdisclosed in detail herein, if an installment payment is missed, aconsumer electronic device may be turned off or set to a lower level offunctionality. In addition, if new functionality is desired from theconsumer electronic device, a new installment payment may be made toenable the new functionality in the consumer electronic device.

In further examples, a user of the device 102 may lease the device 102,may enter into a maintenance agreement for the device 102 that includesperiodic maintenance fees, or may enter into a subscription service forthe device 102. Where, for instance, the device 102 is a hearing aid,the device 102 may provide functions 202 based on whether or not theperiodic payment of the fee has been made or is in arrears.Consequently, a user of the hearing aid may continue making the paymentsfor as long as the user desires to continue using the hearing aid andmay cease making payments when the user no longer desires to use thehearing aid or no longer makes the payments.

The memory module 204 may store a time at which a payment is due to bepaid. The time may be relative, such as one calendar month followingmaking the pervious payment, or may be absolute, such as by a certaindate and time. The controller 106 may compare the certain date and timeagainst the time and date provided by the clock 206. Prior to thelapsing of the time period, the controller 106 may induce the outputmodule 104 to deliver the selected functions 202 per normal or otherwisepre-set operating conditions, such as those for which the device 102 wasconfigured upon manufacture. Upon the time lapsing, however, if thecontroller 106 has not been notified that the payment has been made, thecontroller 106 may induce the output module 104 to disable or impairsome or all of the functions 202 or may disable or impair operation ofthe device 102 altogether, such as by disconnecting the power source 200electrically or mechanically from the rest of the device 102.

Functions 202 may be disabled, entirely or essentially entirely, byterminating or otherwise blocking the function. Thus, the drivingfunction of an automobile may be disabled either by terminatingoperation of the power train altogether or by preventing the transfer ofmotive power from the engine to the wheels, thereby preventing, in wholeor in part, the automobile from moving under its own power. A function202 may be impaired by limiting the ability of the function to performat full capability. For instance, the driving function of an automobilemay be impaired by limiting the top speed of the vehicle to less thanits maximum or normal operating speed. Thus, an automobile with animpaired driving function may be limited to a top speed of, forinstance, five (5) miles per hour or other limit as appropriate to theparticular circumstances. Such principles may be readily applied toother functions and other devices.

The system 100 in general may allow for a “grace period” or an extensionbeyond the appointed payment time in which the payment may be paidwithout disabling functions 202. Alternatively, the functions 202 may bepartially disabled or impaired during the grace period, such as bydisabling individual functions 202 while leaving other functions 202enabled. Alternatively or in addition, functions 202 may individually,progressively be disabled or impaired following the lapsing of thepayment period. In an example, no functions 202 are disabled or impairedduring the grace period. In an alternative example, individual functions202A-E are progressively disabled or impaired during and/or after thegrace period, though in certain examples basic functionality of thedevice 102 may be maintained during the grace period. In an example inwhich functions are not disabled or impaired during the grace period,subsequent disabling of functions 202 may be progressive or all at onceand may be complete or partial.

It is noted that, upon making the payments, the device 102 may bereactivated even after operation of the device 102 has been disabled orimpaired. In one example, disabling the operation of the device 102 forfailure to meet scheduled payments does not disable or impair operationof the controller 106 and the communication module 108, through which acommand may be received to reactivate operation of the device 102, suchas by the control device 110 or the remote device 118, upon payment. Inan alternative example, the device 102 may be entirely or essentiallyentirely powered off, upon which reactivation of the device 102 mayoccur on the basis of direct interaction with the device 102, such as byusing a magnet to interact with a reed switch, cycling a mechanicalswitch on or within the device 102, interfacing the device 102 with anexternal port, such as on the control device 110, or other modes forreactivating the device 102.

The user of the device 102 or other party, such as a party authorized toact on the user's behalf, may make payments via the payment module 128.The payment module 128 may be configured to automatically withdraw thepayment from an account at predetermined intervals or may receive thepayment on an ad hoc basis, such as by receiving a credit card, specificaccount access authorization, or other payment vehicle. In an example,upon the payment module 128 receiving the payment corresponding to thedevice 102, the payment module 128 transmits a notification to thedevice 102 that the payment has been properly paid. The device 102 maystore an indication that the payment has been paid in the memory module204. The time for making the next payment may be extended from the timeof receipt of the payment by a predetermined period of time, such as bysetting the next date for receiving the payment one calendar month inthe future. Alternatively, the date for receiving the payment may beextended by a predetermined time from the next due date. For instance,if the payment is made on the 13^(th) of the month but wasn't due untilthe 15^(th) of the month, the next due date for the payment may be the15^(th) of the following month. Alternative payment scheduling iscontemplated.

Depending on the nature of the device 102, various functions 202 may bedisabled or impaired depending on the payment status while otherfunctions 202 may be maintained notwithstanding the payment status.Control of such variable status may be maintained by the logic module208. For instance, if the device 102 is a medical device and providesfunctionality critical for sustaining life, the logic module 208 mayidentify the functions 202 that are not essential to sustaining lifethat may be selectively disabled or impaired and functions 202 that areessential for sustaining life that may be maintained notwithstandingpayments having been made. Thus, in the example of a pacemaker, afunction 202A that provides basic, life-sustaining pacing may bemaintained while functions 202B-E that provide enhanced pacing functionsmay be disabled or impaired. The logic module 208 may factor in thenature of the device and a status of a patient condition. Thus, thoughthe medical device 102 may be capable of providing life-sustainingtherapy, if the patient is not in need of the life-sustaining therapythe function related to the life-sustaining therapy may be disabled orimpaired. Certain medical devices 102, such as medical devices 102 thatare not life-critical, may have all functions 202 disabled entirely uponlack of payment. Similarly or relatedly, devices 102 for which animmediate disabling or impairing of functionality may be potentiallydangerous or overly disruptive, such as an automobile, may not havefunctionality disabled or impaired until the device 102 in question isnot in use, such as where the engine is not running or the automobile isparked.

The logic module 208 may be updated with various conditions fordisabling, or impairing, or maintaining functions based on paymentstatus. For instance, if government regulations prohibit disabling orimpairing certain device functions 202 based on failure to makepayments, the logic module 208 may peremptorily block those functions202 from being disabled or impaired. As government regulations evolve,the logic module 208 may be updated accordingly. The logic module 208may further be updated based on policies from a company or professionalthat manages the maintenance of the medical device 102. If a function isto be provided or not provided to a user of the device 102notwithstanding the payment status, the logic module 208 may be updatedaccordingly.

The logic module 208 and the system 100 generally may furtherincorporate graduated payments. For instance, a user of the device 102who has a device enabled for certain functions 202A-C may decide thatthe function 202C is no longer desired while continuing to desirefunctions 202A-B. The user may optionally make a payment thatcorresponds to functions 202A-B while not making payments related tofunction 202C. Accordingly, the message transmitted from the paymentmodule 108 to the device 102 may reflect that functions 202A-B have beenpaid for while function 202C has not. The logic module 208 may thendirect that functions 202A-B remain enabled while directing thatfunction 202C be disabled or impaired. If the user subsequently makesthe payment for function 202C, the logic module 208 may direct thatfunction 202C be re-enabled.

In a further example, the device 102 may initially be enabled withfunctions 202A-C on initial purchase, and an installment plan, a leaseplan, or maintenance or subscription fee may include payments based onthose enabled functions 202A-C. However, a user may additionally come tobenefit from or desire an additional function 202D. The additionalfunction 202D may be enabled and the periodic installment, lease, ormaintenance payments related to the device 102 increased accordingly. Assuch, selecting or otherwise enabling new functionality may beunderstood as resulting in a new condition of conveyance or amodification to a previous condition of conveyance. In the example of ahearing aid, the hearing aid may not initially have a low frequencyfilter enabled at the time of the initial sale. After the initial sale,however, the user may desire low frequency filtering, upon which the lowfrequency filtering may be enabled and the installment paymentsincreased based on the price of the low frequency filtering function.Similarly, a purchaser of an automobile may not live in or frequent aclimate in which traction control is particularly needed, but may moveto a climate in which such a function 202 is advantageous, whereupon thefunction 202 may be selected and payments increased accordingly.

Additionally, the system 100 generally may recognize that a user maybenefit from a currently non-enabled function 202. In the above examplerelated to low frequency filtering, the hearing aid may have been soldon the understanding that the user would not expect to be inenvironments with significant amounts of low frequency noise. However,the hearing aid may subsequently detect relatively significant amountsof low frequency noise upon use. Based on the detection of the lowfrequency noise and, in various examples, the transmittal of either thedetected noise itself or a summary or profile of the detected noise outof the medical device 102, the system 100 may determine, such as withthe medical device 102 itself, the control device 110, the remote device118, or a combination thereof, that the user may benefit from lowfrequency filtering. The system 100 may then display a recommendation onthe medical device 102, the control device 110, the remote device 118,or elsewhere recommending that low frequency filtering be enabled andproviding an ongoing installment, lease, maintenance, or subscriptionpayment that may be entered into in compensation for the increasedfunctionality of the hearing aid.

Similarly, an automobile may be constructed with a traction controlsystem that includes both the actual traction control output, as may beproduced by the output module 104, and sensors that may identify whenthe traction control system should be engaged, such as when one or morewheels slips or skids. If the associated traction control function 202is not enabled, the sensors related to the traction control function 202may nevertheless obtain and store, such as in the memory module 204,information related to the traction control function 202, such asinstances where the traction control function 202 would have beenengaged if the function 202 had been enabled. On the basis of a numberof times traction control would have been engaged or a frequency withwhich traction control would have been engaged, the system 100, such asthe logic module 208 or the remote device 118, may present arecommendation that the traction control function 202 should be engaged,such as to the user of the automobile or to a sales representative.

In various installment plans, the purchaser of the device 102 may payinstallments for particular features 202 as the features are enabled.Alternatively, the purchaser may pay installments on an “all-in”service, in which all functions 202 are available as needed for onepayment amount. In such an example, not all functions 202 arenecessarily enabled but rather may be selectively enabled as the system100, a user, a sales associate, or other individual involved with thesystem 100 determine that the related functionality is needed by oruseful to the user.

The system 100 generally may generate notifications of payment status tothe user or other operators or users of the system 100. For instance, ifthe device 102 has the capacity to provide notices to the user, such asby verbal or non-verbal means, the device 102 may notify the user that apayment is coming due, is due, or has been missed and that variousfunctions 202 have been or are being disabled or impaired until thepayment is made. For instance, a hearing aid may output audio tones,such as a particular type of beep or sequence of beeps, to indicate thatpayment is due. Consumer electronic devices such as smartphones and thelike may readily display such notices. Alternatively or additionally,notifications can be provided on user interfaces 124 of the controldevice 110, the remote device 118, or other devices that are connectedto the system 100. The extensiveness of the notifications may vary basedon the user interface 124 capabilities of the device on which thenotifications are displayed. Thus, for instance, if the user interface124 includes a conventional computer or tablet screen, relativelydetailed notifications may be provided that include what payment isowed, when the payment is owed, and what functions 202 will be disabledor impaired if the payment is not made, among other information. If theuser interface includes a very small screen or no screen at all themessage may be short and/or perfunctory relating to a payment being dueor overdue.

In various examples, the controller 106 monitors a time until a paymentis due and, if an indication that the payment has been made is notreceived by that time, the controller 106 disables or impairs functions202 as appropriate. In such an example, the payment module 128 transmitsa message upon receiving the payment. In various examples, rather thanwaiting for a message to be received asynchronously, the controller 106transmits a message to the payment module 128 requesting a paymentstatus, to which the payment module 128 synchronously transmits acurrent status, e.g., that the payment has or has not been made. In suchan example, then, the device 102 may perform the function of monitoringthe passage of time and may actively prompt the payment module 128 forthe status, in contrast with other examples in which the rest of thesystem 100 monitors the payment status and provides the payment statusto the device 102. The device 102 may, for instance, notify the rest ofthe system 100 that payment is due by a particular date.

In further examples, the medical device 102 has no sensitivity topayment status. In such examples, the system 100, such as the controldevice 110 and/or the remote device 118, monitors the payment status forthe medical device 102 and the functionality of the medical device 102that is related to the payment status. In such a case, the controldevice 110 and/or remote device 118 may direct the medical device 102 toenable, disable, or impair particular functions 202 or to enable,disable, or impair the general functionality of the medical device 102as a whole based on the payment status of the medical device 102. Assuch, the medical device 102 may have functionality information but notinformation related to the payment status.

In further examples, instructions relating to the payment status are nottransmitted from the payment module 128 but rather from anothercomponent of the system, such as the control device 110 or the remotedevice 118. In such an example, the payment module 128 may communicateto the other device 110, 118 that the payment has not been made and thatthe medical device 102 may be subject to having functions 202 disabledor impaired. An operator of the device 110, 118 may be prompted toauthorize or not authorize disabling or impairing some or all of thefunctions 202 to be disabled or impaired, or may otherwise be promptedto select functions 202 to be disabled or impaired. In one suchnon-limiting example, upon operator authorization of the disabling orimpairing of functions 202 on the device 102 is a command transmitted tothe device 102 directing that particular functions 202 are to bedisabled or impaired. In one, non-limiting example, while the device 102may or may not be sensitive to the passage of time and whether or not apayment is due, the command to disable or impair functions 202 mayoriginate solely from outside of the device 102 and may, in variousnon-limiting examples, be transmitted upon an operator selection. Insuch an example, if the device 102 were to fall out of communicationwith the payment module 128 or other device 110, 118, the functions 202may not be disabled or impaired while the medical device 102 is out ofcommunication.

Examples that rely on or otherwise utilize monitoring the internal clock206 of the device 102 may disable or impair functions 202 upon thelapsing of the payment time period if the device 102 cannot or does notestablish communication contact with the rest of the system 100. In suchan example, the default condition for the device 102 may be to disableor impair functions 202 unless affirmative notice is given that thepayment has not been made. In alternative examples, the defaultcondition for the device 102 is that the payment has been made unless apayment status notification is provided that indicates that the paymenthas not been made. In such examples, the device 102 may continue tooperate even if out of communication with the rest of the system 100.

In further examples, a device 102 may be purchased based on a paymentthat provides a predetermined duration of use for the device 102, uponwhich the device 102 shuts down. By way of example, though a device 102may have a useful life of ten (10) years, the device 102 may be rentedfor a two (2) year period, upon which the device 102 may be shut downand returned to the seller. In such an example, the functions 202 may beentirely turned off, partially turned off, and/or the power source 200electrically disconnected from the rest of the device 102. Upon returnto the seller, the device 102 may be turned on and/or re-enabled, suchas by turning on functions 202 and/or reconnecting the power source 200.

As disclosed herein, disabling or impairing functions 202 specificallyor the functionality of the device 102 generally has been described onthe basis of electronic commands and does not necessarily permanentlydamage the device 102. The disabling or impairing of functions 202specifically, and functionality of the device 102 generally, may be insuch a way as to permanently disable or impair the functionality. Forinstance, electronic components may be deliberately destroyed bycreating a short circuit in the device 102, or machine parts may bedisabled or impaired by expelling lubricant from the device 102 so thatthe machine parts seize and fail.

Failure to meet a condition status for the device 102 may result in theenablement of various functions 202, such as may exceed the merenotification of a delinquency in the condition status of the device 102.For instance, a transponder function 202 may be enabled to facilitatelocating the device 102. Alternatively or additionally, functions thatmake continued possession of the device 102 annoying or irritating maybe enabled, such as unpleasant sounds, lights, and so forth.

The control of the functionality of the device 102 on the basis of acondition status of the device may be automatic or essentially automaticand may trace from the condition status and related information actuallystored or input in the system 100. Thus, the mere remote control of adevice, such as remotely turning a device on or off, would not besensitive to a condition status or condition status information.Further, where the condition status is based on a condition ofconveyance, merely remotely controlling the functionality of a devicemay not be based on failure to meet a condition of conveyance from aconveyor, such as willing conveyor, to a receiver of the device 102.

System

In various examples, the system 100 may be understood to be a system formonitoring payments for devices, such as the device 102 and others asmay be communicatively coupled to components of the system 100, on aninstallment payment plan and for notifying users of late payments. Insuch an example, the device 102 may not be a component of the system 100at all but rather may interface with the system 100 to provide and/orreceive information regarding functions 202 and payment status. Suchmonitoring and notification may be on the basis of modes of operationdisclosed herein. Consequently, a user of the system 100 may be anorganization that provides services related to payment for andmaintenance of devices without the user of the system 100 having anyaffiliation with the manufacture or marketing of the devices that mayinterface with the system 100.

In various examples, as noted herein, the remote device 118 is acomputer, a server, or other computing device configured to receivepayment information, such as from the payment module 128, andfunctionality information, such as from the device 102, the controldevice 110, or the remote device 118 itself. The remote device 118 maybe utilized by a user of the system 100 to monitor and control theperformance of any of a number of devices in the system. The remotedevice 118 may interface with devices 102, control devices, and so forthvia the network 116 or via more direct communication modalities, such asare disclosed herein.

The system 100 as a whole may be utilized by a system operator tomonitor payments and device functionality deriving therefrom. The systemoperator may, for instance, be a device distributor, an insuranceprovider, or a healthcare provider, such as a hospital or clinic orhealthcare system. Consequently, operation of the system 100 and thecontrol of the device 102 functions 202 may be by entities other than amanufacturer of the device 102 or an entity that programs or otherwiseconfigures the device 102 in the first instance.

Hearing Aid Example

FIG. 3 is an example block diagram where the abstract components of thedevice 102 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given exemplary detail. Inthe example, the device 102 is a hearing aid 102A. It is to beunderstood that the example provided here is not limiting and hearingaids may incorporate various components, systems, and functionality thatis not necessarily specified here with particularity.

In such an example, the hearing aid 102A includes a sensor 300 thatdetects ambient noise, such as a microphone. An amplifier 104A (e.g.,the output module 104) includes a speaker and componentry to amplifyand/or filter the ambient noise as detected by the sensor 300. Invarious examples, a radio frequency transmitter/receiver 108A (e.g., thecommunication module 108) includes an antenna and transceiver configuredto transmit and receive radio frequency communications by way of theantenna. In various examples, a microcontroller 106A and relatedcomponentry (e.g., the controller 106) is operatively coupled to thesensor 300, the amplifier 104A, and the radio frequencytransmitter/receiver 108A. In various examples, the hearing aid 102A hasa rechargeable battery 200A (e.g., the power source 200) and includesboth volatile memory, such as RAM, and non-volatile memory, such asflash memory as the memory module 204.

In the example of the hearing aid 102A, the functions 302 includeamplification 302A, a low frequency filter 302B, a high frequency filter302C, a feedback filter 302D, and an environmental adjustment 302Efunction, among other functions that may be incorporated in a hearingaid 102A. In an exemplary use case, the user of the hearing aid 102A maypurchase the hearing aid on an installment basis, such as equalquarterly installment payments for five years. In an example, thepurchase of the hearing aid 102A entails a basic payment for the hearingaid 102A itself as well as amplification 302A. In an example, each ofthe functions 302B-E add incremental additional cost to the installmentpayment. In an example, each function 302B-E may increase theinstallment payment by the same amount. Alternatively, the installmentcost of each function 302B-E may be set independently.

In an exemplary, non-limiting use case, the user of the hearing aid 102Aselects functions 302B-D. Every quarter a payment module 128, and/or thesystem 100 in general, transmits a payment status to the hearing aid102A. In the use case, for the first eight quarters the user pays theinstallment payment through the automatic withdrawal of funds from anaccount by the payment module 128. In each quarter, the payment module128 transmits to the hearing aid 102A a payment status indicating thatthe installment payments are current and the microcontroller 106Adirects the amplifier 104A to continue to deliver the functions 302A-D.Prior to each quarterly installment payment coming due, the amplifier104A sounds a tone audible to the user of the hearing aid 102Aindicating that the installment payment is about to be paid, and, in anexample, another tone indicating that the installment payment has beensuccessfully received.

However, in the ninth quarter the account includes insufficient funds tocover even the basic installment payment of the hearing aid 102A andamplification 302A. Consequently, the payment module 128 transmits apayment status to the hearing aid 102A indicating the hearing aid 102Ais in arrears. In such an example condition, the microcontroller 106Adirects the amplifier 104A to sound a tone to the user indicating thatthe payment status is in arrears and disable or impair all functions302A-D, resulting in the hearing aid 102A becoming essentiallynon-functional to the user. In an example, the battery 200A may beelectrically disconnected from the amplifier 104A, the microcontroller106A, and the transmitter/receiver 108A, but in alternative examples thebattery 200A may remain connected.

In the use case described above and herein, following the disabling orimpairing of the function of the hearing aid 102A, sufficient funds areplaced in the account from which the payment module 128 draws the fundsfor the installment payments for the hearing aid 102A. In an example, anoperator of the system 100, such as via the remote device 118, initiatesthe payment module 128 to check the status of funds in the account.Alternatively, the payment module 128 periodically checks the status offunds in the account if the payment status is in arrears.

Upon determining that sufficient funds are in the account, the paymentmodule 128, and/or the system 100 generally, transmits a payment statusto the hearing aid 102A, such as via the transmitter/receiver 108A ifthe battery 200A has not been disconnected. Upon receiving the paymentstatus, the microcontroller 106A commands the amplifier 104A to enablethe functions 302A-D. Quarterly installment payments are then obtainedby the payment module 128 and payment status updates are provided to thehearing aid 102A.

Pacemaker Example

FIG. 4 is an example block diagram where the abstract components of thedevice 102 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given exemplary detail. Inthe example, the device 102 is a pacemaker 102B. It is to be understoodthat the example provided here is not limiting and pacemakers mayincorporate various components, systems, and functionality that is notnecessarily specified here with particularity.

In such an example, the pacemaker 102B includes a sensor package 400,such as that may, in various examples, detect a patient's heart rate,blood pressure, blood-oxygen levels, and so forth. A pacing deliverycircuit 104B (e.g., the output module 104) includes circuitry togenerate and deliver pacing pulses to the heart. In various examples, aradio frequency transmitter/receiver 108B (e.g., the communicationmodule 108) includes an antenna and transceiver configured to transmitand receive radio frequency communications by way of the antenna. Invarious examples, a microprocessor 106B and related componentry (e.g.,the controller 106) is operatively coupled to the sensor package 400,the pacing delivery circuit 104B, and the radio frequencytransmitter/receiver 108B. In various examples, the pacemaker 102B has abattery 200B (e.g., the power source 200) and includes both volatilememory, such as RAM, and non-volatile memory, such as an electricallyprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM) as the memory module 204. Thecontrol device 110 may be a physician programmer, such as may be foundin a medical facility, or may be remote patient management device, suchas may be found in a patient's home.

In the example of the pacemaker 102B, the functions 402 includeventricular pacing 402A, atrial pacing 402B, biventricular pacing 402C,rate adaptability 402D, and minute ventilation 402E, among otherfunctions that may be incorporated in a pacemaker 102B. In an exemplaryuse case, the user of the pacemaker 102B may purchase the pacemaker onan installment basis, such as equal monthly installment payments forfive years. In an example, the purchase of the pacemaker 102B entails abasic payment for the pacemaker 102B itself. In an example, each of thefunctions 402A-E add incremental additional cost to the installmentpayment. In an example, each function 402A-E may increase theinstallment payment by the same amount. Alternatively, the installmentcost of each function 402A-E may be set independently.

In an exemplary, non-limiting use case, the user of the pacemaker 102Bselects functions 402A, B, and D; the biventricular pacing function 402Cis not enabled as the patient does not, at the time of purchase, sufferfrom congestive heart failure and thus may not benefit frombiventricular pacing. Every month the pacemaker 102B transmits a messageto the payment module 128 and the system 100 in general that a paymentis due for the pacemaker 102B and functions 402A, B, and D. In the usecase, for the first two years the user pays the installment paymentthrough the automatic withdrawal of funds from an account by the paymentmodule 128 with the payment module 128 responding to payment statusqueries from the pacemaker 102B that the payment status is up to dateand not in arrears. In an example, the sensor 400, the microprocessor106B, and/or the system 100 generally, then identifies that the patienthas started suffering from congestive heart failure and that the patientis now indicated for biventricular pacing 402C. In an example, at leastone of the control device 110 and the remote device 118 is provided witha notification that the patient is indicated for biventricular pacingand that the biventricular pacing function 402C may be enabled for anadded installment payment. In an example, the patient or the patient'scaregiver may select to enable the biventricular pacing function 402C,such as on the control device 110 or the remote device 118, the controldevice 110 or the remote device 118 may communicate with the pacemaker102C, and the pacemaker 102C may start delivering the biventricularpacing 402C.

In the exemplary use case, two years later the installment payments forthe pacemaker 102C fall into arrears. In an example, when the paymentsfall into arrears a message is transmitted, such as via the network 116,to the control device 110 to notify the patient or the patient'scaregiver of the payment status. When the pacemaker 102C queries thepayment module 128, the payment module 128 or the system 100 generallymay notify the pacemaker 102C that the installment payment is inarrears. The microprocessor 106C may include the logic module 208 thatmay compare the payment status against policies, such as governmentregulations and company policies, and determine that the functions402B-D may be properly disabled or impaired while the ventricular pacingfunction 402A may not be disabled or impaired. Accordingly, themicroprocessor 106B may direct the pacing delivery circuit 104B to onlydeliver ventricular pacing 402A and disable or impair the otherfunctions 402B-D. A message may be transmitted to the control device 110or the remote device 118 notifying the patient that therapy has beenmodified and directing the patient to contact their medical professionalor medical device 102B sales representative. In various examples, themedical professional or sales representative may disable or impair theventricular pacing function 402A.

The pacemaker 102B may periodically, such as monthly, check the paymentstatus by querying the payment module 128. If the payment module 128replies that the payment status of the medical device 102B is no longerin arrears for some or all of the functions 402B-D, those functions maybe 402B-D may be restored. The pacemaker 102B may suspend queries upon alapsing of a predetermined period of time with the payment status inarrears, such as one year.

Drug Pump Example

FIG. 5 is an example block diagram where the abstract components of thedevice 102 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given exemplary detail. Inthe example, the device 102 is a drug pump 102C. It is to be understoodthat the example provided here is not limiting and drug pumps mayincorporate various components, systems, and functionality that is notnecessarily specified here with particularity.

In such an example, the drug pump 102C includes a user control 500 thatthe user may use to adjust drug delivery levels, such as to deliver abolus dose of a drug or other therapeutic substance (herein, the“drug”). As illustrated, the user control 500 is in a separate housingor a separate device from the drug pump 102C, though in various examplesthe user control 500 is a component on or within the same housing as therest of the drug pump 102C. A therapy delivery system 104C (e.g., theoutput module 104) includes a reservoir for the drug and a pump andtubing to deliver the drug to a treatment location in the patient. Invarious examples, a wired connector 108C (e.g., the communication module108) includes a port configured to be coupled to a communication cablethat is operatively coupled to the control device 110. In variousexamples, control circuitry 106C, such as simple, narrowly-focused logicgates and related componentry (e.g., the controller 106) is operativelycoupled to the therapy delivery system 104C, and the wired connector108C. In various examples, the drug pump 102C has a wall plug withbattery backup 200C (e.g., the power source 200).

In the example of the drug pump 102C, the functions 502 include basalrate drug delivery 502A, time sensitive basal rate drug delivery 502B(e.g., higher and lower basal rates dependent on a time of day or otherrelevant time consideration), and bolus drug delivery 502C, among otherfunctions that may be incorporated in a drug pump 102C. In an exemplaryuse case, the user of the drug pump 102C may obtain the drug pump 102Cvia a maintenance payment schedule, such as equal annual installmentpayments for ten years. The maintenance payment schedule may provide fordrug pump 102C functionality 502A as well as refills to the reservoir ofthe therapy system 104C. In an example, each of the functions 502B-C addincremental additional cost to the maintenance payment. In an example,each function 502B-C may increase the maintenance payment by the sameamount. Alternatively, the installment cost of each function 502B-C maybe set independently.

In an exemplary, non-limiting use case, the user of the drug pump 102Cselects 502B for time-dependent basal rate drug delivery but not bolusdrug delivery 502C. Every year the payment module 128 and/or the system100 in general obtains payment via a credit card transaction. Based onthe credit card transaction, the system 100 determines a payment statusof the drug pump 102C and transmits a function command to the drug pump102C allowing for the continued delivery of the functions 502A and B ordisabling or impairing delivery of the functions 502A and B. In the usecase, in the first year the user pays the maintenance payment throughthe payment module 128 with a credit card and the system 100 directs thedrug pump 102C to continue to deliver functions 502A and B.

However, in the use case, after the first year the user decides bolusdrug delivery functionality 502C is desirable. In such a case, a user ofthe system 100, such as via the control device 110, notes thatadditional functionality is desired and that the subsequent maintenancepayment may be increased to reflect the maintenance cost of the bolusdrug delivery function 502C. In an example, the function 502C may beimmediately enabled. Alternatively, upon the payment of the followingmaintenance payment in full, the system 100 may transmit an instructionto the drug pump 102C to enable the bolus dose function 502C, whereuponthe user may be able to command a bolus drug dose, such as with the usercontrol 500.

It is to be emphasized and understood that the example use casesdisclosed herein may be applied to any of a variety of medical devices102, both in terms of the actions taken and the components utilized.

Follow Up Example

Further to the example illustrated with respect to FIG. 3, the hearingaid 102A may operate on a follow up status of the hearing aid 102A. Itis to be understood that the example provided here is not limiting andhearing aids may incorporate various components, systems, andfunctionality that is not necessarily specified here with particularity.

In such an example, the hearing aid 102A includes a sensor 300 thatdetects ambient noise, such as a microphone. An amplifier 104A (e.g.,the output module 104) includes a speaker and componentry to amplifyand/or filter the ambient noise as detected by the sensor 300. Invarious examples, a radio frequency transmitter/receiver 108A (e.g., thecommunication module 108) includes an antenna and transceiver configuredto transmit and receive radio frequency communications by way of theantenna. In various examples, a microcontroller 106A and relatedcomponentry (e.g., the controller 106) is operatively coupled to thesensor 300, the amplifier 104A, and the radio frequencytransmitter/receiver 108A. In various examples, the hearing aid 102A hasa rechargeable battery 200A (e.g., the power source 200) and includesboth volatile memory, such as RAM, and non-volatile memory, such asflash memory as the memory module 204.

In the example of the hearing aid 102A, the functions 302 includeamplification 302A, a low frequency filter 302B, a high frequency filter302C, a feedback filter 302D, and an environmental adjustment 302Efunction, among other functions that may be incorporated in a hearingaid 102A. In an exemplary, non-limiting use case, the user of thehearing aid 102A selects functions 302B-D. In an example, the user isscheduled to have semiannual follow up procedures or checkups with amedical professional. Upon reaching a predetermined time prior to ascheduled follow up, such as one week, an audio message may be output bythe amplifier 104A to remind the user to attend to the follow upsession. The audio message may be a verbal message or may be beeps orother tones to indicate the follow up status.

Upon lapsing of the time period to conduct the follow up session, afurther audio indication of the follow up status of the hearing aid 102Amay be output by the output module 102A. Various individual functions302 may be disabled or impaired, in an example one function everypredetermined period of time, such as every one week. Thus, in theillustrated use case, in four weeks the hearing aid 102A may have nofunctionality at all owing to the progressive disabling or impairing ofeach of the four selected functions 302A-D.

In the use case described above and herein, following the disabling orimpairing of at least one of the functions of the hearing aid 102A, theuser attends a follow up session with a medical professional. Themedical professional and/or the system 100 generally registers that thefollow up session has occurred, and the condition module (as disclosedabove, a general implementation of the payment module 128) may transmita follow up status to the hearing aid 102A indicating that the hearingaid 102A is current on follow ups. Upon receiving the follow up status,the microcontroller 106A commands the amplifier 104A to enable thefunctions 302A-D.

Smartphone Example

FIG. 6 is an example block diagram where the abstract components of thedevice 102 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given exemplary detail. Inthe example, the device 102 is a smartphone 102D. It is to be understoodthat the example provided here is not limiting and smartphones and otherconsumer electronic devices may incorporate various components, systems,and functionality that is not necessarily specified here withparticularity.

In such an example, the smartphone 102D includes a user interface 104D(e.g., the output module 104) that includes a touchscreen, a microphone,a speaker, and/or audiovisual ports as well known in the art. In variousexamples, a wireless module 108D (e.g., the communication module 108)includes an antenna and transceiver configured to transmit and receivevarious examples of radio frequency communications, including, but notlimited to cellular communications, WiFi, Bluetooth, and othermodalities. In various examples, a processor 106D and relatedcomponentry (e.g., the controller 106) is operatively coupled to theuser interface 140D, and the radio wireless module 108D. In variousexamples, the smartphone 102D has a rechargeable battery 200D (e.g., thepower source 200) and includes both volatile memory, such as RAM, andnon-volatile memory, such as flash memory, as the memory module 204.

In the example of the smartphone 102D, the functions 602 includecellular communication 602A, music output 602B, video output 602C,location services 602D, and third party applications 602F, among otherfunctions that may be incorporated in a smartphone 102D. In an exemplaryuse case, the user of the smartphone 102D may purchase the smartphone102D on a subscription basis, such as equal monthly subscriptionpayments for five years. In an example, the condition of conveyance ofthe smartphone 102D entails a basic subscription payment for thesmartphone 102D itself as well as cellular communication 602A. In anexample, the subscription may be without respect to a plan with acellular provider for actual communication via a cellular network;consequently, the continued enablement, disablement, or impairment ofthe cellular communication function 602A may be without respect even tothe existence of a cellular plan for actually utilizing the cellularcommunication function 602A. In an example, each of the functions 602B-Eadd incremental additional cost to the subscription payment. In anexample, each function 602B-E may increase the subscription payment bythe same amount. Alternatively, the subscription cost of each function602B-E may be set independently.

In an exemplary, non-limiting use case, the user of the smartphone 102Dselects functions 602B-D. Every month a payment module 128, and/or thesystem 100 in general, transmits a payment status to the smartphone102D. In the use case, for the three months the user pays thesubscription payment through the automatic withdrawal of funds from anaccount by the payment module 128. In each month, the payment module 128transmits to the smartphone 102D a payment status indicating that thesubscription payments are current and the processor 106D directs theuser interface 104D to continue to deliver the functions 602A-D. Priorto each monthly installment payment coming due, the user interface 104Ddisplays a message indicating that the subscription payment is about tobe paid, and, in an example, another message indicating that thesubscription payment has been successfully received.

However, in the fourth month the account includes insufficient funds tocover even the basic subscription payment of the smartphone 102D andcellular communication 602A. Consequently, the payment module 128transmits a payment status to the smartphone 102D indicating thesmartphone 102D is in arrears. In such an example condition, theprocessor 106D directs the user interface 104A to display a messageindicating that the payment status is in arrears and disable or impairall functions 302A-D, resulting in the smartphone 102D becomingessentially non-functional to the user.

In the use case described above and herein, following the disabling orimpairing of the function of the smartphone 102D, the payment module 128periodically checks for payments. In an example, three months passwithout late payments being made. Upon the lapsing of the three monthperiod without a payment status update indicating that the paymentstatus is no longer in arrears, the processor 106D directs at least onecircuit in the smartphone 102D, such as within the processor 106D, toclose a short circuit and deliberately damage at least onesystem-critical electronic component in the smartphone 102D so as torender the smartphone 102D disabled or impaired without physical repairsbeing made to the smartphone 102D.

Automobile Example

FIG. 7 is an example block diagram where the abstract components of thedevice 102 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given exemplary detail. Inthe example, the device 102 is an automobile 102E. It is to beunderstood that the example provided here is not limiting andautomobiles may incorporate various components, systems, andfunctionality that is not necessarily specified here with particularity.

A power train system 104E (e.g., the output module 104) includes anengine, transmission, wheels, and other componentry well known in theart. In various examples, a cellular communication module 108E (e.g.,the communication module 108) includes an antenna and cellular chipsetconfigured to communicate via a cellular network. In various examples,control circuitry 106E (e.g., the controller 106), such as processors,controllers and the like for controlling various aspects of theoperation of the automobile 102E, is operatively coupled to the powertrain system 104E and cellular module 108E. In various examples, theautomobile 102E includes a gasoline tank 200E for providing motive power(e.g., the power source 200).

In the example of the automobile 102E, the functions 702 include motivepower 702A, audio 702B, climate control 702C, lighting 702D, andsatellite navigation 702E, among other functions that may beincorporated in an automobile 102E. In an exemplary use case, the userof the automobile 102E may obtain the automobile 102E as a loan with anattendant condition of conveyance of a maintenance condition, includinga maintenance procedure of changing the engine oil and of doing so on amaintenance schedule of not greater than every five thousand (5,000)miles or six (6) months.

In an exemplary, non-limiting use case, the automobile 102E transmitsmileage information to the system 100 in general via the cellular module108E. In certain examples, the automobile 102E further transmitsinformation related to the engine oil, such as oil level and mileage andtime since the engine oil was last replaced. In alternative examples,when the engine oil is changed, such as at a mechanic's shop,information related to having changed the oil is entered into the system100, such as via the control device 110 or the remote device 118.

In an example, the condition module 128 receives information that theautomobile 102E has traveled five thousand five hundred (5,500) milesand does not have information that the engine oil has been changed. Thecondition module 128 transmits condition status information indicatingthat the engine oil is overdue for changing. The remote device 118transmits the condition status information to the automobile 102E. In anexample, until the engine oil is at least one thousand (1,000) milesoverdue, a verbal warning is displayed on a user interface of theautomobile 102E. Upon the condition module 128 obtaining informationthat the automobile 102E has exceeded six thousand (6,000) miles, theremote device 118 transmits condition status information indicating thatthe automobile is more than one thousand (1,000) miles overdue. Uponreceiving the condition status information, the control circuitry 106Ecommands the power train system 104E to shut down the motive powerfunction 702A. In such an example, the remaining functions 702B-E mayremain enabled as their function may not pertain to the power trainsystem 104E. In various examples, the logic module 208 may delaydisabling or impairing the motive power function 702A until theautomobile 102E is not in operation, i.e., the automobile 102E is not,for instance, actively in use and shutting down the motive powerfunction 702A may not result in the automobile 102E losing power on aroad or in an undesirable location.

It is noted and emphasized that the maintenance status may not be basedon whether the maintenance performance actually has occurred. Rather,the maintenance status may be based on whether the system 100 as a wholehas condition status information that the maintenance has or has notoccurred. In various examples, the system 100 is sensitive to reportsthat the maintenance has occurred and many not have sensitivity tomethods of empirically determining that maintenance has occurred.

It is to be emphasized and understood that the example use casesdisclosed herein may be applied to any of a variety of medical devices102, both in terms of the actions taken and the components utilized.

Flowcharts

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for payment status-based device operation. Theflowchart may relate in particular to a payment status, such as anongoing payment status, of the device 102 as paid to a third partymaintainer of the device 102, such as a third party providingmaintenance for the device 102, such as in the form of follow ups of thedevice 102. While the flowchart is detailed in relation to the system100 disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the flowchart may beapplied to any applicable system and/or devices. Further, while theflowchart is detailed with respect to a payment status, it is to beunderstood that any condition status may be similarly applied pursuantto the steps of the flowchart.

At 800, the device 102 is manufactured and initially configured by themanufacturer of the device 102. The configuration of the device 102 mayestablish a normal or baseline set of functions 202.

At 802, the device 102 is conveyed to a user, such as a professional whomay further update the normal or initial set of functions 202, or to theend user of the device 102. The cost to purchase the device 102 may berelated to the conveyance of the device 102 at 802.

At 804, the device 102 optionally operates based on the initial set offunctions 202. Installment payments for the purchase price or lease,maintenance, or subscription payments related to the operation of thedevice 102 may be accrued based on the operation at 804.

At 806, the payment module 128 enables making payments related to theongoing operation of the device 102. The payments may be executed basedon methodologies disclosed herein.

At 808, a device 110, 118 of the system 100 that is communicativelycoupled to the payment module 128 or of which the payment module 128 isa component provides information related to the payment status of thedevice 102, such as at least one of a payment status or a paymentstatus-related command or piece of information to the device 102. Thepayment status as transmitted to the device 102 may be an updatedpayment status over a previous payment status and may reflect that thepayment has or has not been paid, or may reflect how much of the paymenthas been paid. The payment status-related command may provide aninstruction to the device 102 on what functions 202 should be providedgiven the payment that was received by the payment module 128. Thepayment status or command may be received by the communication module108 and stored in the memory module 204.

At 810, the controller 106 checks the payment status or payment statusrelated information or command upon the lapsing of the period of time tomake the payment or upon the triggering of an event, such as receivingthe payment status information or command. The payment statusinformation or command may have been stored in the memory module 204. Ifthe payment status indicates that the payment has been made, the device102 returns to step 804 and operates with normal functions 202.

At 812, if the payment status indicates that the payment has not beenmade, or the command indicates that functions 202 should be disabled orimpaired, functions 202 are disabled or impaired as appropriate giventhe payment status and any other considerations as incorporated by thelogic module 208. Upon disabling or impairing functions 202, the device102 and the system 100 generally returns to step 806 and awaits payment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for condition status-based device operation. Thecondition status may be based on a condition of conveyance. Theflowchart may relate in particular to a payment status, such as anongoing payment status, of the device 102 as paid to a third partymaintainer of the device 102, such as a third party providingmaintenance for the device 102, such as in the form of checkups of thedevice 102. While the flowchart is detailed in relation to the system100 disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the flowchart may beapplied to any applicable system and/or devices. Further, while theflowchart is detailed with respect to a payment status, it is to beunderstood that any non-physiologic condition status may be similarlyapplied pursuant to the steps of the flowchart.

At 900, a condition status is obtained based on a condition ofconveyance of the device 102. Additionally, the system 100 may determinewhether the condition of conveyance is such that the device 102 shouldbe controlled. In an example, the condition of conveyance is a paymentcondition having a payment status based, at least in part, on a paymentamount and a payment schedule. In an example, the function 202 isdisabled or impaired based on the payment status indicating that thepayment amount has not been paid according to the payment schedule. Inan example, the payment status is based, at least in part, on at leastone of an installment plan, a lease, a subscription, and a maintenanceplan.

In an example, the condition of conveyance is a maintenance conditionhaving a maintenance status based, at least in part, on a maintenanceschedule and a maintenance procedure. In an example, the maintenancestatus is based on an indication of the maintenance procedure havingbeen performed according to the maintenance schedule. In an example, themaintenance procedure relates to maintaining the function.

In an example, the function is one of a plurality of functions 202,wherein the output is delivered corresponding to the plurality offunctions 202. In an example, ones of the plurality of functions 202 areselectively disabled or impaired based on the condition of conveyance ofthe device 102. In an example, upon selectively disabling or impairingones of the plurality of functions 202, the device 102 does not deliverthe output corresponding to the selectively disabled or impairedfunctions 202.

At 902, information related to the condition status of the device 102 isprovided, wherein the information is configured to cause the device 102to disable or impair the function 202 based on the condition status,wherein, upon disabling or impairing the function 202, the device 102does not deliver the output corresponding to the function 202.

At 904, the function 202 is disabled or impaired based, at least inpart, on the information related to the condition status. Stateddifferently, the device 102 is controlled consistent with the conditionof conveyance and/or the condition status.

At 906, updated information is provided related to the condition statusof the device 102, wherein the updated information is configured tocause the device 102 to enable a previously the function 202 based on anupdated condition status, wherein, upon enabling the function 202, thedevice 102 delivers the output corresponding to the function 202. In anexample, the function 202 is enabled upon the updated payment statusindicating that the payment amount has been paid.

Block Diagram

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating components of a machine 1000,according to some examples, able to read instructions from amachine-readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable storage medium) andperform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.Specifically, FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic representation of the machine1000 in the example form of a computer system and within whichinstructions 1024 (e.g., software) for causing the machine 1000 toperform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may beexecuted. In alternative examples, the machine 1000 operates as astandalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to othermachines. In a networked deployment, the machine 1000 may operate in thecapacity of a server machine or a client machine in a server-clientnetwork environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment. The machine 1000 may be a servercomputer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tabletcomputer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a set-top box (STB), a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a webappliance, a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, or anymachine capable of executing the instructions 1024, sequentially orotherwise, that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further,while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shallalso be taken to include a collection of machines that individually orjointly execute the instructions 1024 to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein.

The machine 1000 includes a processor 1002 (e.g., a central processingunit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor(DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), aradio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), or any suitable combinationthereof), a main memory 1004, and a static memory 1006, which areconfigured to communicate with each other via a bus 1008. The machine1000 may further include a graphics display 1010 (e.g., a plasma displaypanel (PDP), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), a projector, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The machine1000 may also include an alphanumeric input device 1012 (e.g., akeyboard), a cursor control device 1014 (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad, atrackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, or other pointing instrument), astorage unit 1016, a signal generation device 1018 (e.g., a speaker),and a network interface device 1020.

The storage unit 1016 includes a machine-readable medium 1022 on whichis stored the instructions 1024 (e.g., software) embodying any one ormore of the methodologies or functions described herein. Theinstructions 1024 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 1004, within the processor 1002 (e.g., within theprocessor's cache memory), or both, during execution thereof by themachine 1000. Accordingly, the main memory 1004 and the processor 1002may be considered as machine-readable media. The instructions 1024 maybe transmitted or received over a network 1026 via the network interfacedevice 1020.

As used herein, the term “memory” refers to a machine-readable mediumable to store data temporarily or permanently and may be taken toinclude, but not be limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-onlymemory (ROM), buffer memory, flash memory, and cache memory. While themachine-readable medium 1022 is shown in an example to be a singlemedium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include asingle medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributeddatabase, or associated caches and servers) able to store instructions.The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include anymedium, or combination of multiple media, that is capable of storinginstructions (e.g., software) for execution by a machine (e.g., machine1000), such that the instructions, when executed by one or moreprocessors of the machine (e.g., processor 1002), cause the machine toperform any one or more of the methodologies described herein.Accordingly, a “machine-readable medium” refers to a single storageapparatus or device, as well as “cloud-based” storage systems or storagenetworks that include multiple storage apparatus or devices. The term“machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but notbe limited to, one or more data repositories in the form of asolid-state memory, an optical medium, a magnetic medium, or anysuitable combination thereof.

EXAMPLES

In Example 1, a device, system or method as disclosed here may control afunction of a medical device based on a condition status, such as apayment status, of the medical device. Information related to a paymentstatus may be provided to the medical device, wherein the information isconfigured to cause the medical device to deliver an outputcorresponding to the function. Updated payment status of the medicaldevice may be obtained. Information related to the updated paymentstatus of the medical device may be provided, wherein the information isconfigured to cause the medical device to disable or impair the functionbased on the payment status, wherein, upon disabling or impairing thefunction, the medical device does not deliver the output correspondingto the function.

In Example 2, the method of Example 1 may optionally further includethat the payment status and the updated payment status are based, atleast in part, on a payment amount and a payment schedule.

In Example 3, the method of any one or more of Examples 1 and 2 mayoptionally further include that the function is disabled or impairedbased on the updated payment status indicating that the payment amounthas not been paid according to the payment schedule.

In Example 4, the method of any one or more of Examples 1-3 mayoptionally further include enabling the function upon the updatedpayment status indicating that the payment amount has been paid.

In Example 5, the method of any one or more of Examples 1-4 mayoptionally further include that the function is one of a plurality offunctions, wherein the output is delivered corresponding to theplurality of functions, wherein ones of the plurality of functions areselectively disabled or impaired based on the updated payment status,and wherein, upon selectively disabling or impairing ones of theplurality of functions, the medical device does not deliver the outputcorresponding to the selectively disabled or impaired functions.

In Example 6, the method of any one or more of Examples 1-5 mayoptionally further include that the updated payment status is based, atleast in part, on a payment amount based on the plurality of functions.

In Example 7, the method of any one or more of Examples 1-6 mayoptionally further include that the function is an initially enabledfunction, and wherein the function is one of a plurality of functions,at least one of the plurality of functions being disabled or impaired,and further may optionally further include providing instructions to themedical device configured to enable a disabled or impaired one of theplurality of functions, wherein the output corresponds to the functionsas enabled, and wherein the updated payment status is based, at least inpart, on a payment amount corresponding to the functions as enabled.

In Example 8, the method of any one or more of Examples 1-7 mayoptionally further include that the payment status and the updatedpayment status are based on an installment payment plan based on anoriginal purchase of the medical device and an installment paymentschedule.

In Example 9, the method of any one or more of Examples 1-8 mayoptionally further include that disabling or impairing the functioncomprises disabling or impairing essentially all function of the medicaldevice.

In Example 10, the method of any one or more of Examples 1-9 mayoptionally further include that the function is initially enabled atleast one of prior to or upon conveyance of the medical device to theuser.

In Example 11, a device, system or method may optionally includecontrolling a function of a medical device based on a condition status,such as a payment status, of the medical device. A payment module isconfigured to obtain payment information related to a payment related tothe function of the medical device. A device, communicatively coupled tothe payment module and the medical device, is configured to determine apayment status of the medical device and transmit function informationto the medical device configured to disable or impaired the functionbased on the payment status, wherein, upon disabling or impairing thefunction, the medical device does not deliver the output correspondingto the function

In Example 12, the system of Example 11 may optionally further includethat the payment information at least one of whether a payment has beenreceived and how much of a payment has been received.

In Example 13, the system of any one or more of Examples 11 and 12 mayoptionally further include that the payment information is a command todisable or impair the function.

In Example 14, the system of any one or more of Examples 11-13 mayoptionally further include that the payment status is based, at least inpart, on a payment amount received by the payment module and a paymentschedule.

In Example 15, the system of any one or more of Examples 11-14 mayoptionally further include that the function is disabled or impairedbased on the payment status indicating that the payment amount has notbeen paid according to the payment schedule.

In Example 16, the method of any one or more of Examples 11-15 mayoptionally further include that the device is configured to transmitpayment information to the medical device configured to enable thefunction upon the payment status indicating that the payment amount hasbeen paid.

In Example 17, the system of any one or more of Examples 11-16 mayoptionally further include that the device is a control device, whereinthe control device is communicatively coupled to the medical device viaat least one of a wired link and a wireless link.

In Example 18, the system of any one or more of Examples 11-17 mayoptionally further include that wherein the device is a remote device,wherein the remote device is communicatively coupled to the medicaldevice via a network connection.

In Example 19, the system of any one or more of Examples 11-18 mayoptionally further include that the device is configured to provide anindication related to the payment status to a user of at least one ofthe medical device and the device.

In Example 20, the system of any one or more of Examples 11-19 mayoptionally further include that the indication of the payment status isat least one of a visual indication on the device, an audio indicationfrom the device, or an indication from the medical device.

In Example 21, a device, system or method may optionally include orutilize various components. An output module may be configured todeliver an output to a patient corresponding to a function. Acontroller, coupled to the output module, may be configured to enablethe function based on an initial configuration of the medical device anddisable or impair the function based on information relating to acondition status, such as a payment status, of the medical device,wherein, upon disabling or impairing the function, the output moduledoes not deliver the output corresponding to the function.

In Example 22, the system of Example 21 may optionally further includethat the information is the payment status.

In Example 23, the system of any one or more of Examples 21 and 22 mayoptionally further include that the information is a command to disableor impair the function.

In Example 24, the system of any one or more of Examples 21-23 mayoptionally further include that the payment status is based, at least inpart, on a payment amount received by the payment module and a paymentschedule.

In Example 25, the system of any one or more of Examples 21-24 mayoptionally further include that the function is disabled or impairedbased on the payment status indicating that the payment amount has notbeen paid according to the payment schedule.

In Example 26, the method of any one or more of Examples 21-25 mayoptionally further include that the function is one of a plurality offunctions, wherein the output is delivered corresponding to theplurality of functions, wherein the controller is configured toselectively disable or impair ones of the plurality of functions basedon the payment status, and wherein, upon selectively disabling orimpairing ones of the plurality of functions, the output module does notdeliver the output corresponding to the selectively disabled or impairedfunctions.

In Example 27, the system of any one or more of Examples 21-26 mayoptionally further include a memory module configured to store theinformation related to the payment status.

In Example 28, the system of any one or more of Examples 21-27 mayoptionally further include a communication module configured to at leastone of transmit and receive the information related to the paymentstatus.

In Example 29, the system of any one or more of Examples 21-28 mayoptionally further include that the medical device is a hearing aid.

In Example 30, the system of any one or more of Examples 21-29 mayoptionally further include that disabling or impairing the functiondisables or impairs the operation of the hearing aid.

In Example 31, a device, system or method may optionally includecontrolling a function of a medical device based on a condition status,such as a payment status, of the medical device. A payment module isconfigured to obtain payment information related to a payment related tothe function of the medical device. A processor, coupled to the paymentmodule and the medical device, is configured to determine a paymentstatus of the medical device based on the information related to thepayment. A communication interface, coupled to the processor, isconfigured to transmit function information to the medical device, thefunction information being configured to disable or impair the functionbased on the payment status, wherein, upon disabling or impairing thefunction, the medical device does not deliver the output correspondingto the function.

In Example 32, the system of Example 31 may optionally further includethat the payment information is the payment status.

In Example 33, the system of any one or more of Examples 31 and 32 mayoptionally further include that the payment information is a command todisable or impair the function.

In Example 34, the system of any one or more of Examples 31-33 mayoptionally further include that the payment status is based, at least inpart, on a payment amount received by the payment module and a paymentschedule.

In Example 35, the system of any one or more of Examples 31-34 mayoptionally further include that the function is disabled or impairedbased on the payment status indicating that the payment amount has notbeen paid according to the payment schedule.

In Example 36, a device, system or method may optionally a processor,remote to a medical device, configured to generate information tocontrol, at least in part, a function of the medical device based, atleast in part, on a non-physiologic condition, and a transmitter, remoteto the medical device, configured to transmit the information related tothe non-physiologic condition to the medical device.

In Example 37, the system of Example 36 may optionally further includethat the non-physiologic condition is a payment status of the medicaldevice.

In Example 38, the system of any one or more of Examples 36 and 37 mayoptionally further include that the payment status of the medical deviceis based, at least in part, on a payment amount and a payment schedule.

In Example 39, the system of any one or more of Examples 36-38 mayoptionally further include that the function is disabled or impairedbased on the updated payment status indicating that the payment amounthas not been paid according to the payment schedule.

In Example 40, the system of any one or more of Examples 36-39 mayoptionally further include that the non-physiologic condition is afollow up status of the medical device.

In Example 41, the system of any one or more of Examples 36-40 mayoptionally further comprise a device remote to the medical device,wherein the device includes the processor and the transmitter.

In Example 42, the system of any one or more of Examples 36-41 mayoptionally further include that the function of the medical device is anoutput to the patient, and wherein the processor is configured tocontrol the function by disabling or impairing the function.

In Example 43, the system of any one or more of Examples 36-42 mayoptionally further include that the function is one of a plurality offunctions of the medical device and wherein the processor is configuredto selectively control ones of the plurality of functions.

In Example 44, the system of any one or more of Examples 36-43 mayoptionally further include that the processor is configured to controlthe function by enabling the function.

In Example 45, the system of any one or more of Examples 36-43 mayoptionally further include that the function as enabled was a previouslydisabled or impaired function.

In Example 46, a device, system or method may optionally include aprocessor, remote to a device, configured to generate information tocontrol, at least in part, a function of the device based, at least inpart, on a condition of conveyance of the device, and a transmitter,remote to the device, configured to transmit the information related tothe condition of conveyance to the device.

In Example 47, the system of Example 46 may optionally further includethat the condition of conveyance is a payment status of the medicaldevice.

In Example 48, the system of any one or more of Examples 46 and 47 mayoptionally further include that the payment status of the medical deviceis based, at least in part, on a payment amount and a payment schedule.

In Example 49, the system of any one or more of Examples 46-48 mayoptionally further include that the function is disabled or impairedbased on the updated payment status indicating that the payment amounthas not been paid according to the payment schedule.

In Example 50, the system of any one or more of Examples 46-49 mayoptionally further include that the condition of conveyance is amaintenance status of the device.

In Example 51, the system of any one or more of Examples 46-50 mayoptionally further include that the maintenance status is based on amaintenance requirement having been met.

In Example 52, the system of any one or more of Examples 46-51 mayoptionally further include that the information is a command configuredto control the function of the device.

In Example 53, the system of any one or more of Examples 46-52 mayoptionally further include that the information is data relating to acurrent status of the condition of conveyance.

In Example 54, the system of any one or more of Examples 46-53 mayoptionally further include that the function of the device is an output,and wherein the processor is configured to control the function bydisabling or impairing the function.

In Example 55, the system of any one or more of Examples 46-54 mayoptionally further include that the function is one of a plurality offunctions of the medical device and wherein the processor is configuredto selectively control ones of the plurality of functions.

In Example 56, a device, system or method may optionally includeobtaining a condition status based on a condition of conveyance of thedevice and providing information related to the condition status of thedevice, wherein the information is configured to cause the device todisable or impair the function based on the condition status, wherein,upon disabling or impairing the function, the device does not deliverthe output corresponding to the function.

In Example 57, the method of Example 56 may optionally further includethat the condition of conveyance is a payment condition having a paymentstatus based, at least in part, on a payment amount and a paymentschedule.

In Example 58, the method of any one or more of Examples 56 and 57 mayoptionally further include that the function is disabled or impairedbased on the payment status indicating that the payment amount has notbeen paid according to the payment schedule.

In Example 59, the method of any one or more of Examples 56-58 mayoptionally further include enabling the function upon the updatedpayment status indicating that the payment amount has been paid.

In Example 60, the method of any one or more of Examples 56-59 mayoptionally further include that the payment status is based, at least inpart, on at least one of an installment plan, a lease, a subscription,and a maintenance plan.

In Example 61, the method of any one or more of Examples 56-60 mayoptionally further include that the condition of conveyance is amaintenance condition having a maintenance status based, at least inpart, on a maintenance schedule and a maintenance procedure.

In Example 62, the method of any one or more of Examples 56-61 mayoptionally further include that the maintenance status is based on anindication of the maintenance procedure having been performed accordingto the maintenance schedule.

In Example 63, the method of any one or more of Examples 56-62 mayoptionally further include that the maintenance procedure relates tomaintaining the function.

In Example 64, the method of any one or more of Examples 56-63 mayoptionally further include that the function is one of a plurality offunctions, wherein the output is delivered corresponding to theplurality of functions, wherein ones of the plurality of functions areselectively disabled or impaired based on the condition of conveyance ofthe device, and wherein, upon selectively disabling or impairing ones ofthe plurality of functions, the device does not deliver the outputcorresponding to the selectively disabled or impaired functions.

In Example 65, the method of any one or more of Examples 56-64 mayoptionally further include providing updated information related to thecondition status of the device, wherein the updated information isconfigured to cause the device to enable a previously the function basedon an updated condition status, wherein, upon enabling the function, thedevice delivers the output corresponding to the function.

In Example 66, a device, system or method may optionally includeobtaining a condition status based on a condition of conveyance of thedevice and providing information related to the condition status of thedevice, wherein the information is configured to cause the device todisable or impair the function based on the condition status, wherein,upon disabling or impairing the function, the device does not deliverthe output corresponding to the function.

In Example 67, the device of Example 66 may optionally further includethat the condition of conveyance is a payment condition having a paymentstatus based, at least in part, on a payment amount and a paymentschedule.

In Example 68, the device of any one or more of Examples 66 and 67 mayoptionally further include that the function is disabled or impairedbased on the payment status indicating that the payment amount has notbeen paid according to the payment schedule.

In Example 69, the device of any one or more of Examples 66-68 mayoptionally further include enabling the function upon the updatedpayment status indicating that the payment amount has been paid.

In Example 70, the device of any one or more of Examples 66-69 mayoptionally further include that the payment status is based, at least inpart, on at least one of an installment plan, a lease, a subscription,and a maintenance plan.

In Example 71, the device of any one or more of Examples 66-70 mayoptionally further include that the condition of conveyance is amaintenance condition having a maintenance status based, at least inpart, on a maintenance schedule and a maintenance procedure.

In Example 72, the device of any one or more of Examples 66-71 mayoptionally further include that the maintenance status is based on anindication of the maintenance procedure having been performed accordingto the maintenance schedule.

In Example 73, the device of any one or more of Examples 66-72 mayoptionally further include that the maintenance procedure relates tomaintaining the function.

In Example 74, the device of any one or more of Examples 66-73 mayoptionally further include that the function is one of a plurality offunctions, wherein the output is delivered corresponding to theplurality of functions, wherein ones of the plurality of functions areselectively disabled or impaired based on the condition of conveyance ofthe device, and wherein, upon selectively disabling or impairing ones ofthe plurality of functions, the device does not deliver the outputcorresponding to the selectively disabled or impaired functions.

In Example 75, the device of any one or more of Examples 66-74 mayoptionally further include providing updated information related to thecondition status of the device, wherein the updated information isconfigured to cause the device to enable a previously the function basedon an updated condition status, wherein, upon enabling the function, thedevice delivers the output corresponding to the function.

In Example 76, the device of any one or more of Examples 66-76 mayoptionally further include that the device is at least one of a medicaldevice, a consumer electronic device, an appliance, and a machine.

In Example 77, a device, system or method may optionally include asystem comprising a device having controllable operations and acontroller for controlling at least one of the controllable operationsbased, at least in part, on a condition of conveyance associated withthe device.

In Example 78, the system of Example 77 may optionally further includethat the controller is remote to the device.

In Example 79, the system of any one or more of Examples 77 and 78 mayoptionally further include that the controller is internal to thedevice.

In Example 80, the system of any one or more of Examples 77-79 mayoptionally further include that the device and the controller includecircuitry permitting wireless communication between the device and thecontroller.

In Example 81, the system of any one or more of Examples 77-80 mayoptionally further include that the device and the controller areadapted to communicate by direct electronic connection.

In Example 82, a device, system or method may optionally include amethod for controlling a device based on the status of a condition ofconveyance, comprising determining whether the condition of conveyanceis such that the device should be controlled and controlling the deviceconsistent with the condition of conveyance.

In Example 83, the method of Example 82 may optionally further includethat the condition of conveyance is a payment condition having a paymentstatus based, at least in part, on a payment amount and a paymentschedule.

In Example 84, the method of any one or more of Examples 82 and 83 mayoptionally further include that the device is controlled by at least oneof disabling and impairing a function of the device based on the paymentstatus indicating that the payment amount has not been paid according tothe payment schedule.

In Example 85, the method of any one or more of Examples 82-84 mayoptionally further include that the payment status is based, at least inpart, on at least one of an installment plan, a lease, a subscription,and a maintenance plan.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventors alsocontemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described areprovided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combinedwith each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope ofthe invention should be determined with reference to the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a processor, remote to adevice, configured to generate information to control, at least in part,a function of the device based, at least in part, on a condition ofconveyance of the device; and a transmitter, remote to the device,configured to transmit the information related to the condition ofconveyance to the device.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thecondition of conveyance is a payment status of the medical device. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein the payment status of the medical deviceis based, at least in part, on a payment amount and a payment schedule.4. The system of claim 3, wherein the function is at least one ofdisabled and or impaired based on the updated payment status indicatingthat the payment amount has not been paid according to the paymentschedule.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the condition of conveyanceis a maintenance status of the device.
 6. The system of claim 5, whereinthe maintenance status is based on a maintenance requirement having beenmet.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the information is a commandconfigured to control the function of the device.
 8. The system of claim1, wherein the information is data relating to a current status of thecondition of conveyance.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the functionof the device is an output, and wherein the processor is configured tocontrol the function by at least one of disabling and impairing thefunction.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the function is one of aplurality of functions of the medical device and wherein the processoris configured to selectively control ones of the plurality of functions.11. A method of controlling a function of a device, comprising:obtaining a condition status based on a condition of conveyance of thedevice; and providing information related to the condition status of thedevice, wherein the information is configured to cause the device to atleast one of disable and impair the function based on the conditionstatus, wherein, upon disabling or impairing the function, the devicedoes not deliver the output corresponding to the function.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the condition of conveyance is a paymentcondition having a payment status based, at least in part, on a paymentamount and a payment schedule.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thefunction is at least one of disabled and impaired based on the paymentstatus indicating that the payment amount has not been paid according tothe payment schedule.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprisingenabling the function upon the updated payment status indicating thatthe payment amount has been paid.
 15. The method of claim 12, whereinthe payment status is based, at least in part, on at least one of aninstallment plan, a lease, a subscription, and a maintenance plan. 16.The method of claim 11, wherein the condition of conveyance is amaintenance condition having a maintenance status based, at least inpart, on a maintenance schedule and a maintenance procedure.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the maintenance status is based on anindication of the maintenance procedure having been performed accordingto the maintenance schedule.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein themaintenance procedure relates to maintaining the function.
 19. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the function is one of a plurality offunctions, wherein the output is delivered corresponding to theplurality of functions, wherein ones of the plurality of functions areselectively at least one of disabled and impaired based on the conditionof conveyance of the device, and wherein, upon selectively disabling orimpaired ones of the plurality of functions, the device does not deliverthe output corresponding to the selectively disabled or impairedfunctions.
 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising providingupdated information related to the condition status of the device,wherein the updated information is configured to cause the device toenable a previously disabled or impaired function based on an updatedcondition status, wherein, upon enabling the function, the devicedelivers the output corresponding to the function.
 21. A device,comprising: an output module configured to deliver an output to a usercorresponding to a function; a controller configured to enable thefunction based on a condition of conveyance of the device; at least oneof disable and impair the function based on information relating to acondition status of the medical device, the condition status being basedon the condition of conveyance, wherein, upon disabling or impairing thefunction, the output module does not deliver the output corresponding tothe function.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the condition ofconveyance is a payment condition having a payment status based, atleast in part, on a payment amount and a payment schedule.
 23. Thedevice of claim 22, wherein the function is disabled or impaired basedon the payment status indicating that the payment amount has not beenpaid according to the payment schedule.
 24. The device of claim 23,further comprising enabling the function upon the updated payment statusindicating that the payment amount has been paid.
 25. The device ofclaim 22, wherein the payment status is based, at least in part, on atleast one of an installment plan, a lease, a subscription, and amaintenance plan.
 26. The device of claim 21, wherein the condition ofconveyance is a maintenance condition having a maintenance status based,at least in part, on a maintenance schedule and a maintenance procedure.27. The device of claim 26, wherein the maintenance status is based onan indication of the maintenance procedure having been performedaccording to the maintenance schedule.
 28. The device of claim 27,wherein the maintenance procedure relates to maintaining the function.29. The device of claim 21, wherein the function is one of a pluralityof functions of the device, wherein the output is deliveredcorresponding to the plurality of functions, wherein ones of theplurality of functions are selectively at least one of disabled andinhibited based on the condition of conveyance of the device, andwherein, upon selectively disabling or inhibiting ones of the pluralityof functions, the device does not deliver the output corresponding tothe selectively disabled or inhibited functions.
 30. The device of claim21, further comprising a communication module configured to receive theinformation and updated information related to the condition status ofthe device, wherein the updated information is configured to cause thedevice to enable a previously the function based on an updated conditionstatus, wherein, upon enabling the function, the device delivers theoutput corresponding to the function.
 31. The device of claim 21,wherein the device is at least one of a medical device, a consumerelectronic device, an appliance, and a machine.
 32. A system,comprising: a device having controllable operations; and a controllerfor controlling at least one of the controllable operations based, atleast in part, on a condition of conveyance associated with the device.33. The system of claim 32, wherein the controller is remote to thedevice.
 34. The system of claim 32, wherein the controller is internalto the device.
 35. The system of claim 32, wherein the device and thecontroller include circuitry permitting wireless communication betweenthe device and the controller.
 36. The system of claim 32, wherein thedevice and the controller are adapted to communicate by directelectronic connection.
 37. A method for controlling a device based onthe status of a condition of conveyance, comprising: determining whetherthe condition of conveyance is such that the device should becontrolled; and controlling the device consistent with the condition ofconveyance.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the condition ofconveyance is a payment condition having a payment status based, atleast in part, on a payment amount and a payment schedule.
 39. Themethod of claim 38, wherein the device is controlled by at least one ofdisabling and impairing a function of the device based on the paymentstatus indicating that the payment amount has not been paid according tothe payment schedule.
 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the paymentstatus is based, at least in part, on at least one of an installmentplan, a lease, a subscription, and a maintenance plan.